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Celebrations: Apricot Saffron Cake

Celebrations. It’s in the way they have been a part of mankind over the centuries that I find truly sensational. We’re really party animals, aren’t we?

Each culture, all traditions, religions and every walk of life have their way to celebrate. We give them names and find reasons, but in principal the idea is the same throughout: friends, family get together and usually food is an integral part of the gathering. Call it Christmas, Eid, Thanksgiving, or be it a simple BBQ, a fancy ball or even a concert of a lifetime - we’ve always found many ways to party. Imagine a life without colorful celebrations.

I’ve been thinking about the types of celebrations we’ve had over the years. As Soeren’s school started last week his first project for the next few weeks is all about celebrations and he finds it totally fantastic that they should be covering this topic in his Birthday Month. His exuberance is contagious and the added benefit of turning 8 tomorrow has us both plotting and planning on how to celebrate the perfect party.

Celebrating life! I’ve always loved birthdays - it’s such a great way to commemorate a person and rejoice the life. And if it’s one right at the beginning of the long path of a lifetime it’s so much more exciting, magical and simply fascinating. It’s that mischievous glimmer in the eyes of an 8 year old that I cannot get enough of.

So, while my cousin and I are decorating the living room with balloons, candles and streamers, I reminisce the birthdays we’ve had in the past and cannot wait to celebrate the many to come.

Let’s party shall we?

How about cake? It seems appropriate for the occasion. This fruity and subtly spiced cake brings out an incredible aroma. Apricots are in season right now and the perfect pair with the saffron.

Butter a square (approx. 20cm) baking form and line the base with baking paper. Preheat oven at 180 degrees C.

Soak the saffron in about 50ml boiling water for 15 minutes. Beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy, then add the egg and beat again until everything is evenly incorporated.

Add the ground almonds, then sift in the flour and baking powder and fold through alternately with the saffron liquid. Whisk through quickly at the end, to ensure the batter is smooth.

Spread the mixture over the base of the form. Press the apricots halves randomly into the mixture. Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top and bake at for 35-40 minutes. Allow to cool, then dust with icing sugar.

Verdict

The perfect cake for just about any occasion. I love the lightness and flavors of this cake. Delicious ripe apricots topping an incredibly airy cake, flavored subtly with the saffron makes it something special for those memorable moments, yet incredibly easy for the everyday affair.

We’ll be celebrating this week – enjoying the magical time through Soeren’s eyes. There’s be lots of Lego, balloons some Harry Potter and definitely a lot of chocolate! In the meantime hope you all have an awesome week.

Happy Happy Birthday to Soeren!!! Lucky boy to have such an exuberant mom! That must be where he gets it from. Fabulous cake, love the way the texture looks and love the apricots. Wonderful cake for any day and I have to try it. I'll think of something to celebrate.

It's funny that some people like my husband have an abhorrence of set holidays or days like birthdays, Christmas, etc. He thinks that no one should impose a date on him which to celebrate. He wants to feel free to celebrate what and when he chooses.

I'm alone in the office, munching on my lunch and once again refreshing myself with your post!Happy birthday to Soeren, buon compleanno!I love that magic sparkling joy into children eyes when their birthday comes, it's a flame of life, something we all must save and protect!

Hapy b'day to Dear Soreen, I love celebrating my families b'days than my own :-) cake looks so so good and i love cakes like this. Yo should stop making all these yummy cakes my ookmarks from your place is ocer flowing .

Oh what fun for Soeren. We just had a single day to live it up; imagine his delight 'A Whole Month'!! Adopt me dahlin', still time for my bday month in November! You know I love the cake ... stone fruit in there wins my heart, and saffron makes it even more magical! PURTY!!

I reached here after participating in the Monthly Mingle event of yours. Just went through a lot of your recipes and was really stunned by your pictures, writing and what not. You are truly an inspiration to all food bloggers.I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in your space and would love to peek in often !!

Apricot cake looks so good. Happy Birthday to your son !! Have a great weekend ..

This cake is absolutely beautiful, and your styling and photography are first rate. I love your thoughts about celebrations--and cake--I frequently make two cakes for my sons' birthdays--always one chocolate and one something else--I think yours will have to be the something else next time. Thank you.

Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hello, I am Meeta a freelance food photographer, stylist and writer living in the cuturally rich city of Weimar, Germany with my husband and our son, where I enjoy preparing multi-cultural home cooked meals with fresh organic ingredients. What's for lunch, Honey? is my award winning food blog where I combine my love for food with my love for photography and styling...